Am I losing control?

Motley has always been nervy and jumpy. He was mildly attacked twice as a puppy both times by black dogs so he is wary of black dogs he doesn't know.

Just on our walk, off lead, we met a lively little terrier cross who happened to be black. This dog was scared, her owner warned me, and her body language confirmed it, but motley read it as aggressive and had hit tail pointed and tackles up. Before I could get him and get the lead on him he had run for her. There was snarling and snapping but no contact. I walked off calling him and he happily followed.

I think its my fault, we have started walking with the same group each day and I think he is becoming less accepting of other dogs. It used to be just on lead he didn't like other dogs but now seems to be off lead too. When he does play with a new dog he is rougher than usual, though hr has never hurt another dog I can't help but wonder if its round the coner.

What have I done wrong? He is very well socialised, well walked and stimulated. I'm at home virtually full time. Advice please!

Have you become too predictable?

Well yes - it was avoidable. The owner warned you - your own knowledge of your dog warned you. Next time, recall your dog and put him onlead if there`s a dog you feel he`s not sure of?
I do this as a matter of course with Shamus, who is nervous of some dogs.

It's not that you are doing anything wrong.It's more likely you don't fully understand the character of your dog.It isn't how other dogs respond to him but his attitude to other dogs especially unknown dogs.You don't say how mature he is! I am assuming he is a young dog and still developing in temperament and character.He is showing signs of being a dominant dog.Dominante dogs do not like unknown dogs within a radius of what they consider to be there space Even though the other dog poses no threat a dominant dog will warn it off or physically jump on it's back to force the other dog to submit and vacate the area.No biting will be involved as this is dominance not aggression.He could become very protective of you and this behaviour can become more intense.If you think this might be the problem your social handling of him needs more care as it can lead onto aggresive dominance.A more submissive sociable dog is much easier to handle.Hope you get to grips with this and if it gets more of a problem get some experienced help.